Saturday, April 13, 2013

GENEALOGICAL TREASURE TROVE: WATERFORD, MICHIGAN

ne of the genealogical societies I belong too is the
Waterford Genealogical Society in Waterford, Michigan (http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~miwatgs).
It is a very active and progressive group.
Similar to many societies, it works in conjunction with the local
library.

Genealogy U

A favorite perk from my association with the Waterford
Genealogical Society and Waterford Township Public Library is their series of
Saturday morning classes called Genealogy U. These free classes are run by Irv
Rabideau, a retired librarian and genealogist.
The fact that a large room is filled on Saturday mornings during the
winter and spring attests to the fact that Mr. Rabideau (he would say to call
him “Irv”) is well worth the effort. He’s funny and extremely knowledgeable. I
really like his style. Check out this
list of PDF handouts from his various classes.
He teaches Genealogy 101, 102, 103 and 104. I like these classes so much
that I have taken them twice. He also holds special classes such as French
Canadian Research, Irish Research and African-American Research. Be sure to check out this link—you will come
away with all sorts of goodies!

On the evening of May 4, the Waterford Genealogical
Society is hosting a “lock-in” at the Waterford Public Library. This event is great fun for the
genealogy-minded. You arrive for dinner followed by a series of classes. There
is a break for prizes, and then you continue on with more classes. You can
choose from a nice variety of topics. It’s a great way to meet other people who
are hooked on this habit.

The society has a fabulous newsletter that discusses
genealogical events happening in numerous places in Southern Michigan as well
as Ohio. In addition, there’s a section
of useful genealogy websites that have been submitted by members.

The Waterford Township Public Library has a splendid
selection of genealogy books, many more than you usually see in a public
library. If you do a search for “genealogy” on their home page (http://www.waterford.lib.mi.us), you
will see what I’m talking about. Be
sure to check out the libraries in your area. National Library Week is April 14
– 20.

I belong to a number of historical and genealogical
societies, but many of them are out of state so I can’t reap the full benefits
of my membership. Be sure to check out
your local libraries and societies. If one doesn’t thrill you, keep looking.
There are plenty of small towns around you, and there can be substantial differences
in their programs and outreach.